Celtics narrow series gap to 3-2

SQUANDERED:Having been 3-0 up in the series, the aging Knicks roster now faces an unwanted trip back to Boston to face the resurgent Celtics again

AP, NEW YORK

Harden made the first seven threes he tried and Houston led by as many as 16 before fending off a rally that Oklahoma City helped stymie with their own strategy.

The Thunder, apparently doubting they could overcome an eight-point lead on their home court without Russell Westbrook, resorted to intentionally fouling Omer Asik — a 54 percent career foul shooter — with 5:33 to play.

Asik went eight for 12 from the line, extending Houston’s lead to 101-92 with 3:53 remaining before Oklahoma City gave up the tactic.